Over two hundred years of archaeological research in the Indian subcontinent has revealed a fascinating wealth of ancient civilizations. The sophisticated Bronze Age Harappan culture had trading relationships with the Arabian Gulf and with Mesopotamia, as well as an enigmatic script that remains undeciphered. The subsequent Early Historic period witnessed the development of Buddhism, urbanism and a comprehensive writing system. By the 1st century A.D., the written tradition included religious texts, poetry, political analyses, and even medical treatises. In this lecture the highlights of ancient India will be explored, including recent results from the international collaborative research project at the ancient city of Sisupalgarh, India.